MLB Player News

Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

The team had to clear a spot on the roster for Dario Alvarez, who was acquired from the Braves on Wednesday, and Martinez was the casualty. Martinez was an obvious candidate for demotion, having given up five runs over four innings Tuesday and 20 runs total in his five starts (23.2 innings). Lucas Harrell, also brought in from Atlanta, is expected to take Martinez's spot in the starting rotation.

Duffey (5-8) was blasted for five runs on eight hits and a walk over just 1.1 innings in Wednesday's loss to the Braves.

His teammates made a valiant comeback effort, but it fell just short, leaving Duffey with his second straight loss in an abbreviated outing. In those two games, he's given up 11 runs (all earned) and a stunning 17 hits and two walks without a strikeout over 3.2 innings. Duffey's been hugely blowup-prone this year, and this is only the latest example, but manager Paul Molitor said after the game that the 25-year-old righty is still in line to start Monday.

Johnson's first start back for Triple-A Pawtucket was described as "tentative" by Red Sox manager John Farrell, Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe reports. The left-hander allowed four runs on six hits and four walks last Sunday in his return to Pawtucket after four starts at the lower levels of the organization.

"Where his games in Lowell, there might've been a little bit more freedom to the stuff, the attack of the strike zone, I think the ball-strike ratio kind of reflected the tentativeness - and the walks that were issued. First start back, a step in the right direction, but still he's got some work to do," said Farrell. Johnson will continue to work his way back from a two-month layoff to treat an anxiety issue and at this point is not ready to be a helpful piece for Boston.

Fulmer gave up four runs on two hits, a walk and a hit batsman while recording only one out Wednesday against the Cubs.

The out he got finished off the seventh inning, but manager Robin Ventura stuck with Fulmer to start the eighth, and the results were disastrous. He hit Kris Bryant, then allowed a single, a double and a walk to load the bases; Jacob Turner came on in relief and promptly allowed a grand slam to Addison Russell, Fulmer looked strong in his first two outings after being called up in mid-July, but has now given up seven runs with four walks in his last inning of work (two appearances). Considering the 22-year-old had a 4.76 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in Double-A this year, it may not be a stretch to say that he isn't quite ready for the big leagues.

Kimbrel (knee) will begin a rehabilitation assignment Saturday for Triple-A Pawtucket, Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe reports.

The Red Sox are waiting to see how Kimbrel responds from Wednesday's bullpen session, his second of the week, before committing the injured closer to Pawtucket. Manager John Farrell said the rehab stint could be a short one, and KImbrel could rejoin the Red Sox as early as next week during their 11-game road trip.

Colome recorded his 22nd save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth-inning against the Dodgers on Wednesday. He struck out one batter.

In addition to the strikeout, Colome induced two ground outs. It was a nice bounce back performance after he blew his first save of the season in his last appearance Saturday. Colome is 22-for-23 in save opportunities with a 2.27 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 45 strikeouts in 35.2 innings.

Moore (7-7) allowed just one unearned run on four hits, five strikeouts and four walks over 6.2 innings in a victory over the Dodgers on Wednesday afternoon.

After two strong months to begin the year, Moore blew up in June, but he's back to his early season form in July. This month, he's 3-2 with a 2.44 ERA, which is easily his best ERA of any month this season. His fantasy value will greatly depend on whether he's traded before the deadline or not, but it's a great sign he's pitching so well. If he stays in Tampa Bay, his next start will be Tuesday versus the Royals.

Wilson earned the first save of his career, retiring the Red Sox in order during a 4-3 victory Wednesday afternoon.

Detroit's regular closer Francisco Rodriguez was unavailable because he was home tending to a personal matter, so that left the ninth inning to Wilson. He did just fine, not allowing a base runner, recording 13 strikes on 19 pitches and one strikeout. In addition to one save, he is 2-3 with 20 holds, a 3.46 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 47 strikeouts in 39.0 innings.

Fulmer allowed three runs on seven hits, struck out three and walked none in a no-decision against the Red Sox on Wednesday.

It's great to see the 23-year-old continue to display great control, but two homers hurt him Wednesday afternoon, as he coughed up the lead in the eighth. And although he's had great command, Fulmer has just 14 strikeouts over his last 26.2 innings. Even still, hard to complain about the 23-year-old. He is 9-2 with a 2.50 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 84 strikeouts in 97.1 innings. His next start will be Tuesday against the White Sox.

Alvarez was traded to the Rangers on Wednesday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The 27 year-old is having a solid season for the Braves, compiling a 3.00 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 28 strikeouts in 15 innings. Alvarez will join the fellow left-handers Jake Diekman and Alex Claudio in the Rangers bullpen. Lucas Harrell is heading to Texas as well. The Braves will receive prospect Travis Demeritte in return.